Lajollahenge

Twice a year, approximately 49 days before and after the summer solstice, the sunset over the pacific ocean aligns with the rows of piles that support Scripps Pier at La Jolla Shores.  The path of the sun approaching the horizon is not perpendicular to the horizon, so the sun appears to take a diagonal path through the vertical window at the end of the pier.  This diagonal path has the effect of sharing the wealth between about three days each alignment: on one day, the sun centers itself at the top of the window; in the vertical center on the middle day; and at the bottom of the window on the third.

Showing an example of the paths
taken by the sun through the window
on three consecutive days.

The event is a great opportunity for interesting photos.  I've posted some taken both in August 2010 and May 2012 on my Picassa Web.  Enjoy! (click the photos below to view the albums).

Scripps Pier Sunset Alignment, Aug 8-10, 2010

Scripps Pier Sunset Alignment, May 3, 2012

<>< Nathan